Over the past few decades, the idea of the “perfect” age to become a mother has shifted in meaningful, empowering ways. While early motherhood was once the norm, more women today are choosing to start their families later, and doing so with confidence. At WeNatal, we deeply believe there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for becoming a mom. Every path to parenthood is valid, and later-in-life motherhood can be just as joyful, healthy, and intentional.
This isn’t just a cultural observation, it’s backed by data. According to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, birth rates for women aged 35 to 44 in the United States have steadily risen over the last two decades, even as birth rates across age groups have declined. Most notably, the birth rate among women aged 40–44 rose by 4% in just the past year, reflecting a growing societal embrace of motherhood on your own timeline.
A shifting landscape in motherhood
Several cultural and structural factors are driving this change. One major influence is the increasing prioritization of education and career development. More women are attaining advanced degrees, entering competitive job markets, and choosing to establish financial and professional stability before starting a family. In addition, evolving gender roles and greater gender equality have allowed women to exercise more agency over their reproductive timelines without the pressure of traditional expectations.
Technological advances in reproductive health have also played a key role. With greater access to fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing, women today are not only more aware of their fertility options, they also have more control over them. This has expanded the possibilities for family planning beyond the biological clock, making motherhood in the late 30s and even 40s more accessible than ever.
At the same time, social norms around parenting are changing. Later motherhood is increasingly normalized and supported in healthcare and public policy conversations. The result is a new narrative: one where waiting to have children is not seen as risky or selfish, but as a thoughtful and empowered decision based on personal, professional, and relational readiness.
The growing trend: How late is “later”?
In the medical community, the term advanced maternal age refers to women who become pregnant at age 35 or older. While this classification can sound daunting, it doesn’t mean women in their late 30s or early 40s can't have healthy pregnancies. It reflects a statistical increase in certain risks that may require closer monitoring. What’s most notable is how common advanced maternal age has become. Delayed motherhood is no longer the exception, it's becoming part of a broader cultural shift in how we define the ideal time to start a family.
A Pew Research Center analysis shows that the median age of first-time mothers in the U.S. has climbed from 21 in the 1970s to over 26 today, with urban areas like New York and San Francisco averaging closer to 30 or beyond. This is part of a global pattern: in countries like Italy, Sweden, and Japan, the average age of first-time mothers is already over 30. These trends suggest that later motherhood is not just a personal choice, it’s a global reshaping of family life across cultures.
Health considerations of pregnancy after 35: Benefits and challenges
Health benefits of delayed motherhood
While much of the conversation around later motherhood focuses on risks, emerging research highlights notable health benefits as well. Older mothers tend to be more health-conscious during pregnancy. They're more likely to attend regular prenatal appointments, avoid smoking or alcohol, and follow medical guidance closely. This proactive approach to maternal health can contribute to better outcomes for both mother and baby. A more stable lifestyle, increased access to healthcare, and greater health literacy often support healthier pregnancies in women who delay motherhood into their late 30s or 40s.
Beyond the pregnancy itself, delayed motherhood may also have long-term advantages for both mother and child. In 2017, the International Journal of Epidemiology found that children born to older mothers scored higher on cognitive tests at age 10, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and education. Researchers theorize that older parents may provide a more enriching, emotionally stable environment that supports child development.
Interestingly, maternal age may also influence the mother’s own health and longevity. A 2015 study by Boston University found that women who naturally gave birth after age 33 were more likely to live longer than those who completed childbearing at a younger age. These findings suggest that, for some women, later motherhood may align with greater vitality, preparedness, cognitive health, and overall well-being.
Potential challenges
From a medical perspective, pregnancy after age 35 is associated with an increased risk of certain health challenges, but “higher risk” doesn’t mean “high risk” for everyone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women over 35 may face a greater likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and a slightly higher chance of miscarriage or requiring a cesarean section. The risk of chromosomal abnormalities also increases with age. However, these are statistical tendencies, not certainties, and many of these risks can be reduced through early planning, proactive healthcare, and targeted lifestyle and nutrition strategies.
Related: Can men take prenatal vitamins?
Economic benefits of having children later
One of the most consistently cited advantages of delayed motherhood is the economic benefit it offers both women and their children. Studies show that women who postpone childbirth tend to have higher lifetime earnings, greater career advancement, and increased educational attainment compared to those who have children at a younger age. This is largely because women who delay motherhood often use their 20s and early 30s to complete advanced degrees, establish themselves professionally, and build financial security, which contributes to a more stable foundation when they eventually choose to start a family.
This financial stability often translates into a better quality of life for children as well. According to research from the National Bureau of Economic Research, children born to older mothers typically benefit from greater household resources, including access to better healthcare, education, and extracurricular opportunities. These children are also more likely to grow up in homes that are owned rather than rented, and to have parents who are emotionally and financially prepared for the demands of parenting. In this way, delaying childbirth can have a ripple effect by enhancing not only the economic standing of the mother, but also supporting the long-term health, education, and development of her children.
Social and emotional advantages
Beyond the physical and financial aspects, delayed motherhood can also offer meaningful social and emotional advantages. Women who become mothers later in life may bring a deeper sense of self-awareness, emotional maturity, and life experience to parenting. They’re also more likely to have chosen parenthood from a place of readiness, rather than societal pressure or expectation, which can lead to greater satisfaction and confidence in their role as mothers.
A 2024 study found that older mothers reported higher overall satisfaction with parenthood and demonstrated greater emotional regulation when coping with the stresses of raising children. These qualities can foster a more stable home environment, which benefits children’s development as well.
Societal shifts and support systems
Cultural norms that once pushed women toward early marriage and motherhood have evolved significantly, making space for women to pursue higher education, build careers, and make more autonomous reproductive choices. As a result, the stigma once associated with becoming a “later-in-life mom” is fading, replaced by a greater acceptance of diverse family-building timelines.
At the same time, advances in reproductive technology have played a critical role in supporting this shift. Fertility options such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and embryo preservation have become more accessible and widely accepted, giving women more flexibility to delay childbearing without sacrificing the possibility of biological motherhood.
This shift has been further supported by policy changes in some parts of the world. For example, countries like Denmark and Sweden offer generous parental leave and workplace protections that make it easier for women to balance careers with family life, regardless of when they choose to have children. These models show how systemic support can reduce barriers to motherhood later in life and create a more equitable landscape for all parents.
RELATED: Assisted reproductive technology: Expanding possibilities for parenthood
Myths vs. facts about later motherhood
There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to having children later in life, but not all of them are rooted in fact. Here’s a breakdown of common myths versus what the research actually shows about later motherhood.
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Myth: It’s nearly impossible to get pregnant after 35.
Fact: Natural conception is still possible in your late 30s and early 40s. Fertility declines with age, but many women go on to conceive, with or without support. -
Myth: All pregnancies after 35 are automatically high-risk.
Fact: Age is one factor, but not the only one. Health risks depend more on individual factors like overall health, lifestyle, and prenatal care, not just age. -
Myth: Fertility treatments rarely work after 40.
Fact: Fertility technologies like IVF and egg freezing have advanced significantly. While success rates do decrease with age, many women still have successful outcomes. -
Myth: Older moms can’t keep up physically or emotionally.
Fact: Studies show older mothers often feel more emotionally prepared, stable, and satisfied in their parenting role.
Supporting pregnancy after 35: What you can do
Fertility is another important piece of the puzzle. Ovarian reserve, or the number and quality of a woman’s eggs, gradually declines starting around age 32, with a steeper drop after age 37. This can make conception more challenging, but it’s far from impossible. In fact, many women in their late 30s and early 40s go on to have healthy pregnancies, with or without fertility support. What’s encouraging is that science-backed interventions, including optimal preconception nutrition and foundational supplements like WeNatal for Her can support egg quality, hormonal health, and overall reproductive health. Combined with individualized care and early testing, these tools help empower women to take charge of their fertility journey, no matter their age.
Tips for women planning to delay motherhood
If you’re considering postponing motherhood, there are several proactive steps you can take to support your fertility and overall well-being. Prioritizing a nutrient-dense diet, regular movement, and stress management can help preserve reproductive health, especially as age-related fertility decline begins in the early 30s. It’s also wise to consider fertility testing (such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Antral Follicle Count levels) in your early 30s to get a clearer picture of your reproductive timeline. If motherhood is likely to be several years away, egg freezing may be worth discussing with a fertility specialist.
In addition to physical health, mental and emotional preparation is equally important. Take time to cultivate strong communication in your relationship, build a supportive community, and clarify your parenting values and expectations. Finally, work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan. This may include annual screenings, preconception counseling, and addressing any chronic health concerns early. Being proactive now can help ensure a smoother path to motherhood later.
Related: How to boost fertility with low AMH: Science-backed tips for improving egg health
A note from WeNatal on embracing choice and balance
Motherhood doesn’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline, it’s a personal decision shaped by readiness, intention, and informed choice. Having children later in life is not only increasingly common but also a path that can be rich with advantages. With access to the right information, supportive care, and community, women can feel empowered to make decisions that align with their unique goals and values.
If you’re considering delaying motherhood, working closely with a healthcare provider can help you assess your individual path and prepare with confidence. WeNatal is here to support that journey with science-backed tools like WeNatal for Her, thoughtfully formulated to nourish your body, whenever the time feels right for you.
Related: Why a healthy diet is not enough for fertility & pregnancy
References
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